Short Trip Long Trip?

[Timothy Ferguson]

I know that have a car that is only a short trip car that sits in traffic to no end can be very damaging to everything (engine, intakes, etc...). Can actually taking a car say on a trip that is longer than 2hours in drive time clear up anything like intake clogging, water in the oil, any thing noticable afterwards. I see many people say the italian tune-up. But I will not be drive hard or fast just a long time at highway speeds. I already had dpfe sensor problems and I replaced that, but I think its coming back it may be the egr valve after all i don't know. I have a fuel cleaner in the tank ready to go for tomrrow. What do you all think.

 

[sanitarium16]

Do a search for Auto-Rx treatment in the engine and do that. Then of course replace the air-filer, spark plugs, wires, fuel filter. What oil are you using? In conditions like that make sure it is changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months!

 

[Timothy Ferguson]

I have been using Mobil 1 5w30. I don't like the start up noise that it makes my Ranger make so I want to use something a little thicker. This is also the first time I have been useing the synthetic to try my hand at 6month oil changes or 6000 miles but seeing I driving nothing but 11miles a day one way and sit in traffic for over a half hour on the way home I never make it about 50 mpg either on the way home. I would like to use Coastal 10w30 synthetic. With a 6month month oil change interval. They sent me a data sheet and I have to say it looks pretty good. Do anyone else think I should not be doing 6 month oci in my conditions with synthetic?

 

[michaelc80]

Hmmm...one of the things you mention that concerns me is "water in the oil". Do you mean condensation? Or something more evil such as antifreeze?

I would consider taking a 30 minute drive or more at highway speeds at least once a month. Given that you're driving short trips and sitting in traffic for long periods of time I would suggest a more severe service schedule for your OCI's. A couple of used oil analysis would go a long way to determine what does and does not work for your situation.

 

[motorguy222]

A 30 min. drive may not be long enough depending on how long it takes the engine to get to operating temp.

You need to take the car out and get it to operating temp and then drive it for 30-45 minutes.This needs to be done at mostly highway speed.

Take a trip up the interstate for an hour or so,this should clean things out pretty well.

 

[sanitarium16]

find somewhere where you can open it up for a while and just cruise. Did that with my grandmas 1988 dodge aries with 12,000 origional miles and cruise at a MAXIMUM SPEED of 85 mph

 

[blupupher]

I don't see it really clearing any thing up as much as keeping stuff from occuring. A long highway trip will help with any water (condensation) and fuel dilution in the oil, but I don't think it will "fix" anything. A good FI cleaner on a longer trip won't hurt and will probably help some, especially if done regularly (every month or two).
This is basically my wifes car. She will drive it to the store and maybe a few errands one day and it may sit for 3-4 without starting. We use it about once a month for longer trips (2-4 hrs on the highway). I am doing a 5000 mile/6 month interval on it (I will probably always hit 6 months before 5k) and run a FI cleaner every 3k.